Concept cars set to wow Tokyo Motor Show

Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV

The 43RD edition of the Tokyo Motor Show kicks off Wednesday with Japanese automakers set to showcase their concept as well as latest passenger cars, commercial vehicles and trucks alongside most of their European and American competitors.

While the biggest names in Japan’s auto industry will be unveiling no fewer than 76 brand-new vehicles, expect the rest of non-Japanese brands to also prepare their own surprises.

Cutting-edge tech will be the buzzword at this biennial event, where auto brands will emphasize active safety systems, automated driving, interconnected auto-home infrastructure, as well as in-car connectivity and telematics.

Known collectively as smart mobility, this is a critical area where Japanese manufacturers believe they can excel and hopefully surpass their German rivals. Incidentally, technologies also intersect with “green” powertrains where Japanese cars, including the Toyota Prius family of hybrids, have led the industry.

Isuzu hopes to carry on the accomplishments of the T-Next in this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

According to Toyota Motor president Akio Toyoda, the current head of show organizer Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, while a number of other motor shows in the Asian region have increased in size and influence, the Japanese automakers remain a strong global force as they lead in developing cutting-edge and innovative technologies, not only in Japan but around the world.

“The 43rd Tokyo Motor Show may be regarded as Japan’s best chance to impress the world on a single stage. Everyone will be looking at the concept models as well as breakthrough technologies,” said Isuzu Philippines senior vice president for sales Arthur Balmadrid.

Balmadrid, who will also be attending the motor show, informed that Isuzu will also be displaying its next-generation goods and people transporters including compressed natural gas-powered Elf, Forward and Erga buses; Elf hybrid truck that uses lithium-ion batteries; and vehicles powered by next-generation diesel engines that have remained powerful but already exhibit improved fuel economy, payload, noise and vibration.

Tiny yet spunky Honda S660

It would be remembered that in the last Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, Isuzu displayed the T-Next, a concept truck that realizes Isuzu’s vision of the future of high-speed logistics. The exterior—based on the brand’s design identity “Clean, Solid, Emotional”—combines original elements such as the window graphics and the front openings with aerodynamic-focused elements like the rear view cameras and the sloped roof.

With this year’s theme, “Always next to you: For your life whenever and wherever,” Isuzu will continue to present similarly exciting models like the T-Next.

World premiere

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will unveil three world-premiere concept cars at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show. The first is Concept GC-PHEV, a next-generation full-size SUV that uses a high-output plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system.

Nissan’s BladeGlider

The Concept GC-PHEV is designed to offer both dynamic drivability of an SUV and class-leading environmental performance. Equipped with a Super All Wheel Control integrated vehicle dynamic control system, the vehicle is set to deliver superior handling, stability, as well as the all-terrain capability. Moreover, the Concept GC-PHEV is a “connected car” that also offers next-generation preventive safety technology and driver support technology through wireless connectivity.

The second is the Concept XR-PHEV, a next-generation compact SUV loaded with a lightweight and highly efficient PHEV system with dramatically enhanced environmental performance. The Concept XR-PHEV offers nimble drivability and a body style resembling a sport coupé.

The Concept AR, on the other hand, is a next-generation compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV) that offers both the mobility of an SUV and the space provided by  an MPV. The latest fuel efficiency technologies adopted in the Concept AR include the use of a downsized direct-injection turbocharged engine. The Concept AR also provides a relaxing space for occupants through its enveloping interior design and a range of seat arrangements that provide comfort for all passengers.

Grab attention

Also set to grab attention is the Honda S660. A marriage of an open-top sports car and a mini vehicle, the S660 Concept car is a 21st-century adaptation of  Honda’s S600 sports car of the ’60s.

This sports car is interesting though since the S660 is powered by a tiny turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine displacing just 660 cubic centimeters (hence the name) and generating 60 plus horsepower. While this may not sound like a lot, S660 Concept reportedly weighs around 900 kilograms, which should make this car pretty sprightly.

While this two-seater screams “Japanese-market only,” there are whispers of a 1-liter version that could be exported. Hopefully, the Philippines will be included on the list.

New electric concept car

Also during the opening day of the motor show, Nissan is set to reveal the new deltoid-shaped BladeGlider concept, an electric car that is so unlike Nissan’s now-familiar Leaf battery-electric vehicle.

The concept vehicle’s long, tapered nose and broad rear, immediately brings to mind a fighter jet. This revolutionary shape not only significantly improves aerodynamics but also fuel consumption, and enhances performance and  vehicle stability, especially at high speeds.

Instead of using an electric motor that simply replaces a conventional gasoline engine under the hood, Nissan is using twin motors that are mounted inside each of the rear wheels. This design eliminates the need for a bulky engine compartment and at the same time moves power directly to the wheels.